Thanks for Smith's memoir on Ferns [published by Turin Academy]. Mortified by Dr [Robert John] Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] rejection by Linnean Society; intends to propose him again, and if unsuccessful again will propose a change to the rules to reflect those of Royal Society. Concerned by "strong tendency" in Soho Square [home of Sir Joseph Banks] "to throw ridicule upon all persons and proceedings, except a certain set".

Sent copies of his "glossary"' ["Language of Botany"] to Smith and Linnean Society, includes: from "Hortus Kewensis" 'Achillea squarrosa', and from [Carlo] Allioni 'Achillea herba-rota', 'Achillea ligustica', and 'Achillea tanacetifolia'. Asks if Smith knows "'Achillea lutea' Krocker siles n. 1443". Difficulties with 'Achras' species in "Hort. Malab. vol 3 tab 29, 30, 31" [Rheede van Draakenstein's "Hortus Indicus Malabaricus"?] and between 'Achras' and [Olof] Swartz' 'Bumelia'. Asks what 'Achras balata' of Gmelin "Syst. 574.5" is. Preparing 'Aconitum' for press, asks for any of Smith's observations especially 'Aconitum lycotonum'.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Informed by vice-chancellor [William Chafy (1779-1843) vice-chancellor 1813 & 1829] that the trustees of the Botanic Garden have declined election of a Reader in Botany, however they would like another curator. Asks to be informed when Smith intends to canvas the university so as to be able to write to the heads of the colleges who would support Smith.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Reiterates importance of having the vice-chancellor's [William Chafy (1779-1843), vice-chancellor 1813 & 1829] support for both the Walkerian lectureship and the whole Professorship. Explains structure of the Senate, lists college heads currently supporting Smith, debates other potential supporters and process of election. [Arthur] Biggs' [(1765-1848)] election as curator of Botanic Garden. Sir Issac Pennington [(1745-1817), physician and chemist] thinks Smith's non-membership of the university or Church of England makes it difficult for him to be granted an appointment; Martyn refutes this, with examples. Death of [George] Shaw.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. [Richard] Relhan has enquired after a report that [Martyn] is resigning in Smith's favour. Smith right in gaining support from outside Cambridge. Discusses process of Cambridge elections and reiterates Dr [Richard] Walker's [(1679-1764) founder of Cambridge Botanic Garden] provision in his gift of the lectureship that a foreigner may be elected if sufficiently qualified.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Approves of Smith's plan to only apply for Walkerian lecturership at present and await opportunity of applying for professorship. Equates Smith's situation to hostility his father [John Martyn (1699-1768) Cambridge professor of botany 1732-1762] faced when applying for professorship.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Had hoped Smith's letter would request his resignation as he is anxious about the governors of St John's and is too ill to go to Cambridge to vote.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Had feared Smith had given up Cambridge. Promises his resignation when Smith requires it, details of his own election. Support of Bishop of Ely [Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836)], Dean of Norwich [Joseph Turner (1747-1828)], College Heads, and vice-chancellor all important but the Duke of Bedford cannot do much. Warns Smith of deceit and rebuffs within the university. Notifies Smith that the professorship has no control over the Botanic Garden or rights to plants for lectures. [Philip] Miller's monument.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Confirms that the election is open rather than his previous assumption that the heads of the colleges named two out of the candidates. Experience of his own election. Ready to resign in Smith's favour, advises Smith on how to proceed from this point, advising him to begin canvassing in London to use his popularity there. Received letters from [Richard] Relhan but not in relation to professorship.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Erroneous reports of his death in Norwich and London papers have initiated canvassing at Cambridge. [Richard] Relhan has urged Martyn to vacate Walkerian lectureship, details of Relhan's canvassing.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Believes Smith will encounter powerful opposition from Trinity and St John's Colleges. Discusses support of other college heads.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Due to illness unable to undertake next term's Walkerian lectures, asks Smith to deputise for him.

Acknowledges Smith's thanks for dedication [of "The language of botany"]. Asks Smith to correct any errors in the glossary in advance of a second edition. Discusses botanical terminology and the trend of words changing their meaning.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Sorry that Smith met with opposition from Dr Clarke, professor of mineralogy, and Mr Cummings in trying to rearrange botany lecture room. Refutes Clarke's claims that he only ever gave one lecture on botany. Dr [Richard] Walker [(1679-1764) founder of Cambridge Botanic Garden] intended that the botanical garden should promote study of medicine with particular attention to poisonous plants and Martyn always read lecture on poisonous plants, inspired by Dr [William] Heberden's [(1710-1801) lecturer at Cambridge] Materia Medica lectures, however the medical quarter of garden has since been destroyed.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Outraged by the Tutors opposition to Smith on grounds of his not being a member of the University, gives numerous examples of previous foreign and non-member professors. Glad that Smith is pleased with [George Cornelius] Gorham, details of his botanising. Suffering from vertigo in part due "to the weight of the atmosphere". Flooding from heavy rains.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Has found a manuscript copy of Dr [Richard] Walker's [(1679-1764) founder of Cambridge Botanic Garden] donation confirming that the Walkerian lectureship can be granted to a foreigner.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. [James Henry] Monk's [(1784-1856) Regius Professor of Greek, Cambridge] attack on Smith in "Quarterly Review". Believes Smith will never carry the professorship or lectureship, due in part to changing circumstances in professorships at Sidney Sussex College. Observes he and Sir Joseph Banks were negligent in supporting James Donn [(1758-1813)] and [Arthur] Biggs [(1765-1848)] for curatorship of Botanic Garden without fully knowing their religious persuasions.

Believes that 'Myosotis scorpioides', 'Myosotis palustris', and 'Myosotis arvensis' are distinct species rather than varieties, his observations.

Preparing 'Salix' for the "The gardener's and botanist's dictionary", asks whether Smith agrees with [Georg Franz] Hoffmann's arrangement of the genus and for information on 'Salix hermaphroditica' and 'Salix pentandra'. Asks after various publications including: second volume of [Antonio José] Cavanilles' "Icones"; whether there are further [Jacques-Julien La] Billardiére fasciculi; whether [Peter Simon] Pallas published more of "Flora Rossica"; and if there will be anything further from [Charles Louis] L'Héritier [de Brutelle].

Requests Smith's corrections and additions for third edition of "Language of Botany". Has finished work on "The gardener's and botanist's dictionary".